Loss of key players hurting Redskins

That’s the theme, as players echo Shanahan’s football mantra of “next man up.” It’s natural that a drop-off will happen from first-stringers starting to backups filling in, and the domino effect down the roster can’t be ignored.

But that’s the difference in the Redskins being a middling team or one that can contend.

“You build a team with depth,” Alexander said. “That’s why we have 53 men on the roster. There’s not always going to be a big drop-off if you lose a guy. You’d rather have certain people there, but the next guy’s got to step up because a lot of guys get hurt.

“You’ve seen it in the past with different teams; they get hurt and they still end up making the playoffs because they play with depth.”